NIGHT LIFE

Where it's cool to be a 'FOP'

Kristian Hoffman will debut an album in a performance with guest stars including Ann Magnuson.

Kristian Hoffman doesn't step out much to play his own music, being a much-in-demand bandleader and collaborator with the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Ann Magnuson, Lydia Lunch, Klaus Nomi, Dave Davies and others.

Once part of L.A. punk band the Mumps, Hoffman is one of L.A.'s great musical raconteurs and has had his hands in an eclectic grab bag of projects since the 1970s.

But Friday night, the local treasure is moving to center stage to debut his album "FOP," a 17-song collection that he describes as "orchestrated baroque glam psych," at the Steve Allen Theater.

A guy with his credentials can command a great band, and those who manage to squeeze into the Allen will be treated to nearly the full album with the backing of a string quartet (conducted by Jeff Bruner), plus performances by Magnuson, Prince Poppycock ("America's Got Talent"), Todd Lowe (HBO's "True Blood"), Kristi Callan (Wednesday Week, Dime Box and Cheap Chick), Carolyn Edwards (3D Picnic), and Brookledge Follies regular Liberty Larsen.

The evening starts with selections from Kristian's early days with the Mumps and Nomi, and then it's full steam ahead to his contemporary gems such as "Ready or Not" and "Hey Little Jesus, Get Out of That Hole."

For a primer on all things Hoffman, you can peruse his website, www.kristianhoffman.com, or comb through YouTube for his latest, charmingly DIY music videos. And yes, Hoffman has called his album "FOP," so we're guessing it's OK to pull out all the stops on your costume.

See the Envelope story on Hoffman's take on programming the Oscars at latimes.com/hoffman